| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Jefferson/100k people | Iowa/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 57 | n/a (estimate) | 1,399 | 1,540 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 2.1 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 1 | n/a | 24.5 | 35.2 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 18.7 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 3 | n/a | 73.6 | 187.2 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 4 | n/a (estimate) | 98 | 243 | 359 |
| Burglary | 33 | n/a | 810.0 | 199.1 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 17 | n/a | 417.3 | 962.6 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 3 | n/a | 73.6 | 135.1 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 53 | n/a (estimate) | 1,301 | 1,297 | 1,760 |

Looking at the most recent crime report, the crime rate in Jefferson is 34% lower than the national average. These crimes fall into two primary categories: violent and property. Violent crimes encompass murder, rape, robbery and assault, while property crimes involve theft, vehicle theft and burglary. In Jefferson, there were 4 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 98 per 100,000 individuals, 72.7% lower than the national average. Additionally, there were 53 property crimes, amounting to 1301 per 100,000 residents, 26.1% lower than the U.S. average.
Jefferson stands out with one of the lowest violent crime rates in the United States. Reporting only 98 violent crimes per 100,000 people, Jefferson secures its place among the safest cities in the nation, making it an enticing destination for those in search of a new home.
During the most recently reported crime year, Jefferson experienced a total of 0 reported murders. This statistic paints it as a beacon of security when it comes to severe violent crimes. Such an achievement not only instills a profound sense of security for its residents but also sets a high standard for other communities striving to create similarly secure environments. It underscores the area as a place where safety is a top priority, enhancing its appeal as a desirable location to live and thrive.
To get a feel for the safety of living in Jefferson, it's essential to analyze both the overall crime rate and the daily incident count. Jefferson presents a total crime rate that is 34% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. Consequently, Jefferson experiences an average of 0.16 daily crimes, comprising 0.01 violent incidents and 0.15 property-related offenses. This evaluation offers a comprehensive understanding of the safety landscape, aiding individuals in making informed decisions when considering relocation.
Examining year-over-year crime data provides insights into short-term trends with regards to the crime activity in Jefferson. This analysis involves comparing crime rates from one year to the next, enabling the identification of patterns and fluctuations in crime. Such information proves invaluable to residents seeking to make well-informed decisions about their choice of residence. In the most recent year, compared to the previous one, total crime in Jefferson has decreased by 32.1%. Specifically, violent crime has decreased by 50%, while property crime has decreased by 30.3%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in Jefferson.
In Jefferson, the poverty rate currently stands at 7.8%, which contrasts with the national average of 15.1%. It's essential to recognize that the economic status of a city's inhabitants could be a pivotal factor influencing crime stats. Communities grappling with high poverty rates and income inequality are often susceptible to elevated crime levels, as some individuals may turn to unlawful activities to fulfill their essential needs. While lower poverty rates could lead to a reduction in Jefferson crime rates.
Jefferson reports an unemployment rate of 1.4%, contrasting with the national average of 4.9%. Constrained employment opportunities or a prevalence of low-paying positions can contribute to elevated rates of unemployment and underemployment. Areas where individuals contend with joblessness or insufficient wages may display heightened susceptibility to an increase in criminal activities attributed to economic insecurity. Conversely, regions characterized by robust employment rates often witness a decrease in overall Jefferson crime rates.
The median home price in Jefferson is $159,702, compared to the national average of $326,622. High housing costs can lead to financial stress for residents. When individuals struggle to make ends meet due to expensive housing, they may be more inclined to engage in criminal activities to address their financial difficulties, such as theft or fraud. Communities with stable housing environments tend to foster stronger social bonds and community engagement. This can lead to increased vigilance and cooperation among residents, which can deter criminal behavior.
| Item | Jefferson | Iowa | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 7 | 3,827 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 1.6 | 1.8 | 3.3 |
| State | Total offenders | Iowa /100K | National /100K |
| Iowa | 6,040 | 205 | 266 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Perry, IA | 7,820 | 399 | 586 | 985 |
| Paton, IA | 184 | 245 | 1,308 | 1,553 |
| Dawson, IA | 158 | 308 | 1,642 | 1,949 |
| Ralston, IA | 101 | 313 | 1,669 | 1,982 |
| Boxholm, IA | 158 | 317 | 1,690 | 2,006 |
| Grand Junction, IA | 853 | 325 | 1,735 | 2,060 |
| Jamaica, IA | 259 | 326 | 1,738 | 2,064 |
| Jefferson, IA | 4,217 | 98 | 1,301 | 1,399 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Butler, MO | 4,218 | 1,359 | 2,858 | 4,217 |
| Brittany Farms-The Highlands, PA | 4,216 | 64 | 373 | 437 |
| Monte Vista, CO | 4,220 | 449 | 4,911 | 5,360 |
| Burnham, IL | 4,213 | 248 | 1,473 | 1,721 |
| Livingston, TN | 4,221 | 319 | 637 | 956 |
| Jefferson, IA | 4,217 | 98 | 1,301 | 1,399 |